One month into his role as a special government employee and advisor to President Trump, Elon Musk received an enthusiastic reception at the CPAC conference. Notably, he appeared onstage wielding a chainsaw, a gift from Argentine President Javier Milei, while also sporting a leather jacket, square glasses, and a gold chain, reminiscent of an AI-generated image that had circulated on social media.
Musk humorously referenced a quote from J. Robert Oppenheimer, stating, “I am become meme,” highlighting his view of memes as an advanced form of communication that conveys complex ideas quickly.
Since January 20, Musk has become a symbol of Trump’s efforts to combat federal bureaucracy, embodying either a villain or a hero depending on perspective. His public appearances have generated imagery suggesting a new era of governance led by young technologists, effectively diverting negative attention from the administration.
Even Musk acknowledged the surreal nature of his situation, remarking on the absurdity of his team, dubbed DOGE, named after a cryptocurrency. He expressed disbelief at how he found himself in this role.
Despite Musk’s decision to reduce his involvement, the administration may lose its convenient figurehead for its agenda. However, the initiatives undertaken by DOGE, particularly in the Department of Government Efficiency, are likely to persist. Musk has reportedly integrated around 100 staff members into various government agencies, where they are working on data collection and integration efforts.
These initiatives have already prompted actions such as referring noncitizens for prosecution over voting charges and placing certain immigrants on a Social Security “death list.” While Musk’s absence might affect the visibility of these efforts, the team may operate more discreetly without him.
Musk’s brief tenure has provided a crash course in government operations, revealing challenges in cutting spending, the limits of financial influence, and the complexities of government inefficiency. He has also learned the importance of managing constituent relations and the pitfalls of undermining established leadership.
Despite stepping back from his governmental role, Musk has maintained a presence in media, promoting his appearances on traditional platforms through his social media account. He recently participated in a Fox News segment showcasing the activities of DOGE, reiterating claims about wasteful government spending.
Reflecting on his ambitions, Musk had previously expressed desires for a second Trump administration to facilitate his interests, including placing SpaceX employees in the Department of Defense and seeking a more lenient regulatory environment for his businesses.
The implications of Musk’s influence on governance and his ongoing initiatives will continue to be monitored closely.